“We had left the tents for the musicians’ block. We now were entitled to a blanket, a washbowl, and a bar of soap. The Blockälteste was a German Jew. It was good to have a Jew as your leader. His name was Alphonse. A young man with a startlingly wizened face. He was totally devoted to defending ‘his’ block. Whenever he could, he would ‘organize’ a cauldron of soup for the young, for the weak, for all those who dreamed more of an extra portion of food than of liberty.” (51)
Wiesel’s use of simple and basic everyday objects helps convey the extent of the Jews’ suffering in Auschwitz and other concentration camps. Wiesel states that each Jew only owns “a blanket, a washbowl, and a bar of soap.” All three of these objects are basic, everyday objects that many people would take for granted. However, for the Jews, these almost indispensable objects are the only items they possess. This narrative parallels the passage describing the Jews’ beloved objects now left behind and “with them, finally, [the Jews’] illusions” (29). Essentially, the Jews have lost hope and realize the truth and harsh reality of their situation. At this point, many Jews “dreamed more of an extra portion of food than liberty.” The Jews no longer look optimistically towards the future, and they display a more survivalist mindset, only focusing on their short-term prospects. In essence, the Jewish people are living day to day and the idea of freedom has shrunk as their possessions have dwindled. The Jews’ prospects of liberty have become a distant memory.
When describing Alphonse, Wiesel chooses specific adjectives to portray the Blockälteste as a compassionate force amid the constant suffering in the concentration camps. Wiesel describes Alphonse as a “young man with a startlingly wizened face” who “was totally devoted to defending ‘his’ block.” In addition, Alphonse tries to provide an extra ration for the young and the weak. The adjective “wizened” contrasts with the adjective “young” creating the sense that in a relatively short span of time living in the concentration camp, Alphonse has seen a lot and has been hardened by suffering. Alphonse seems to be so "devoted" and kindhearted towards his block because of his own suffering. Essentially, the bond that draws Alphonse to his group grows out of a feeling of shared experience. He truly cares for the people under his care and realizes that those who are weak need the most help if they are to survive.
